Q. Isn't it true that Bill Murray turned down an offer to...

August 10, 1988

Q. Isn't it true that Bill Murray turned down an offer to make a Ghostbusters sequel because it didn't pay enough?

A. A sequel to the 1984 smash hit comedy about a ghost-seeking trio of ''paranormal'' investigators has had a tough time getting off the ground. One problem was that Murray clashed with a studio head who suggested he was too greedy. Hollywood insiders say Ghostbusters II has gotten the green light because Bill and co-star Dan Aykroyd agreed to forgo salaries in return for a much larger percentage of the profits.

Q. We all know that Jackie Mason is Jewish, but is he really a rabbi?

A. Mason did become a rabbi (''mostly to please my father'') but got out of it. There's a distinction between a rabbi, who is a spiritual leader of a congregation, and a cantor, who sings or chants prayers during the service. Mason is a cantor.

Q. Isn't actor James Garner in the midst of some serious health problems?

A. Yes. Jim, 60, had heart bypass surgery earlier this year. Then in July he had more surgery for a heart-related aneurysm. The prognosis is good, and Jim is back home recovering.